Fishermen plan stir against CZM notification

Chennai, Aug 8 (UNI) The fishing community and coastal settlers in Tamil Nadu will stage agitations in costal districts tomorrow to protest against the proposed Coastal Zone Management (CZM) notification of the Centre, which according to them will affect their livelihoods and coastal eco-system.

Rallies and road blockades would be held in various parts of the state as part of the national-level agitation, coinciding with the Quit India Movement anniversary, under the banner of National Campaign Against CZM Notification, according to a statement here.

Calling upon the Centre to withdraw the move to replace Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, 1991, with the CZM notification, leaders of the Campaign said the proposed notification would be against the rights of the fishing people, coastal poor and the working class.

The 1991 CRZ notification was diluted through 19 amendments to suit commercial interests resulting in 'destructive' development practices. The CZM notification would further pave way for the opening of coastal zone for large scale commercial projects like resorts, the statement alleged.

The proposed notification would redefine the coastal zone as an area from the landward boundary of the Panchayat upto 12 nautical miles into the sea, including the sea bed, backwaters, lagoons and creeks, thus favouring developmental activities displacing the fishermen from their habitat and economic activity, it charged.

UNI